20 travel stories from the last 24 hours — here’s what’s moving:
Even United’s First Class Now Comes in a Basic Version
United Airlines plans to sell restrictive ‘United First Base’ fares in its domestic first-class cabin, with no free seat selection, one checked bag instead of two and no changes, plus a basic business fare on short-haul international routes.
Your First US Passport Will Soon Skip the Post Office Line
The State Department says first-time US passport applications will move fully online through America.gov starting in 2027, ahead of a redesigned 38-page ‘Flight of the Eagle’ passport book arriving in 2028.
Ryanair’s Boss Just Put a Number on Next Summer’s Fares
Michael O’Leary says European air fares could rise by up to 20% next summer if jet fuel stays near current prices, and warns that rival airlines will add fuel surcharges while Ryanair will not.
You Can Already Book an Alaska Cruise for Summer 2028
Royal Caribbean has opened its summer 2028 Alaska season, with Anthem, Ovation, Serenade and Voyager of the Seas sailing seven-night cruises from Seattle, Seward and Vancouver starting in April 2028.
Starlux Just Became American Airlines’ Side Door to Taiwan
American Airlines and Starlux began codesharing on September 30, putting AA flight numbers on Starlux nonstops between Taipei and four West Coast cities and letting Starlux sell 26 American domestic routes on one ticket.
The World’s Best Airline Wi-Fi List Has Just One European
Skytrax’s first-ever in-flight Wi-Fi ranking puts Qatar Airways first, three US carriers in the top four, and Virgin Atlantic as Europe’s only entry.
Your Flight Home Carries a Farm Fee, and It Just Rose
The USDA’s agricultural inspection fee on international air passengers arriving in the US rose from $3.84 to $3.98 on October 1.
Two Airlines Now Share Every Kuala Lumpur Flight to China
Malaysia Airlines and China Southern will codeshare on five more routes from October 25, covering every Kuala Lumpur-China route the two operate.
Canada Just Tripled How Much Medication You Can Carry
Canada’s new Controlled Substances Regulations, in force October 1, let travellers carry up to a 90-day supply of prescribed narcotics and controlled drugs, up from 30 days.
British Airways Kept the Afternoon Tea and Changed Almost Everything Else
From October 1, British Airways long-haul First passengers get new serviceware, bedding, pyjamas, amenity kits and menus, rolling out from Heathrow.
Alaska Airlines Wants a Seat at American’s Most Valuable Tables
Alaska Airlines plans to join American’s revenue-sharing joint businesses with British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and Japan Airlines, pending antitrust approval.
Tanzania Now Charges Every Foreign Visitor for the Same Insurance
From October 1, foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must buy a $44 state-backed travel insurance policy, regardless of what cover they already hold.
Portugal’s Long Weekend Just Lost Up to 500 easyJet Flights
easyJet cabin crew at Lisbon, Porto and Faro strike from October 2 to 6, with the union estimating around 500 flights at risk over Portugal’s Republic Day weekend.
You Can Now Take a Train From Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Etihad Rail’s passenger service reached Dubai on September 30, linking the city to Abu Dhabi in about an hour with fares from AED39.
Tokyo Braced for a Typhoon That Decided to Go Around
Typhoon Surigae is now forecast to skirt south of Honshu rather than hit Tokyo, but airlines are keeping rebooking waivers in place for travelers heading to Japan.
Norwegian’s Summer Just Beat Its Own Forecast
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings says its July–September results will exceed guidance on stronger-than-expected revenue, a sign cruise demand is holding up despite geopolitical turbulence.
Hilton Brought a Brand to Central America for the First Time
Montara Hotel in Heredia, Costa Rica, has opened as the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton property in Central America, a 97-room mountain retreat about 20 kilometres from San José’s airport.
Kazakhstan Just Found a Winter Beach in Malaysia
Air Astana will fly Almaty to Langkawi three times a week from December 25 on Airbus A321LRs, marking the Kazakh carrier’s return to Malaysia with its own scheduled flights.
Brightline’s Owners Went to Bankruptcy Court but the Trains Did Not
Seventeen Brightline parent entities have filed for Chapter 11 under a deal that brings $490 million in new capital, while the Miami–Orlando trains keep running as normal.
The Hudson Is Getting Its First New Rail Tunnel in a Century
The Gateway Development Commission has launched tunnel boring for the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project, the first new rail crossing under the river in more than 100 years.
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